The July–August movement memorial monument, built at Satmatha intersection in Bogra town in memory of the martyrs, remains unprotected. No steps have been taken by the administration to ensure its security. Activists involved in the movement say there is no guard assigned to protect the structure, nor has any CCTV camera been installed, leaving it vulnerable to possible attacks at any time.
According to local sources, during the Awami League-led alliance government, the Zila Parishad constructed the “Mujib Mancha” at an open space west of the main post office at Satmatha, the central point of Bogra town, at a cost of around Tk 21 lakh. Various political, social, cultural and professional organizations used the stage to hold programmes.
Before 5 August 2024, the stage and the mural of Bangabandhu beside it were demolished. Later, the site was used as an open stage where everyone except the Awami League and like-minded parties held their programmes. Subsequently, as per a government decision, the stage was removed and an initiative was taken to set up the “36 July Memorial Monument” there in honour of the martyrs of the July–August Movement.
The Department of Public Works in Bogra recently completed the construction of the memorial monument at a cost of Tk 16.33 lakh. As the monument was completely open, pedestrians began stepping with shoes on the surface where the names of martyrs are inscribed. At other times, dogs and other animals roamed there, and homeless people slept at the site at night.
Following media reports on the matter, the Public Works Department installed a circular MS bar enclosure around the July Memorial Monument, preventing people and animals from stepping directly onto it. However, no guard has been appointed for the site, and no CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance.
In recent times, incidents of vandalism and arson attacks on July memorial monuments have been reported in different parts of the country, raising concerns that the Bogra monument also remains at risk.
Speaking on the issue, Bogra district NCP joint coordinator Rafia Sultana Rafi said that CCTV cameras and security guards are essential to protect the “36 July Memorial Monument”. Calling for administrative intervention to ensure security there, she said she would visit the monument soon.
Dr Farzana Soni, executive engineer of Bogra Public Works Department, said the July Memorial Monument at Satmatha in Bogra town was built at a cost of Tk 16.33 lakh. She noted that while other similar monuments in the country do not have protective fencing, the one in Bogra does. However, she admitted that no separate security arrangement has been made for the site. She added that she has already drawn the attention of the Bogra deputy commissioner and the municipal administrator to the issue.
Outgoing Bogra deputy commissioner Hosna Afroza, commenting on the matter, said the July Memorial Monument is located at the busy Satmatha intersection, and that the administration maintains strict vigilance there. For this reason, she claimed, there is no possibility of any damage being done to the structure.
